FIND SAN DIEGO IMMIGRATION LAWYERS, ATTORNEYS & LAW FIRMS
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Why should I hire an immigration lawyer?
Because of the complexity of immigration law it is often difficult for laypersons to determine which visa might be best for their particular situation. For example, one type of family preference visa might be faster to obtain but might prevent you from bringing relatives into the U.S. A lawyer can actually save you time and money by looking at your needs and ensuring the visa you apply for is right for your situation. An attorney can also make sure your application is as complete and thorough as possible. Incomplete applications may result in untimely delays or even a rejection of your application.
San Diego Immigration Law: Immigration laws in San Diego were designed to determine the residency status of individuals not born in the United States, but who move here to live on a temporary or permanent basis. There are many different areas of citizenship status from permanent to temporary.
San Diego Immigration laws serve to determine who may enter a country, for how long they may stay and when they must leave. The attorneys at 1000Attorneys.com are here to provide you with legal assistance with all areas of citizenship and deportation rights.
If you or a loved one need assistance obtaining citizenship 1000Attorneys.com can help you. Our staff of experienced pre-screened San Diego immigration attorney’s are here to help you and your family obtain the citizenship you require.
San Diego Immigration Attorney’s are experienced in reuniting families, obtaining citizenship, work visas, student visas, green cards, and stopping deportations.
If you or a loved one is having immigration issues, from trouble gaining citizenship to threats of deportation you should contact an attorney immediately.
The immigration attorney’s at 1000Attorneys.com are bar certified and extremely experienced in all areas of immigration law. Our members must meet minimal experience requirements before membership approval, they are insured and always monitored for performance.
Our immigration attorneys can assist you with a wide range of US immigration services, including the following:
- All Types of US Visas
- Professional US Work Visas (H-1B Visa)
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa for Executives (L-1 Visa)
- Special Services for Latin-American Investors
- Investor Trader Visas (E-1, E-2 Visa)
- Permanent Residency Visas ("Green Cards")
- US Visa Extensions
- Citizenships
- Labor Certifications
- Student Visas
- Fiancee Visas (K-1 Visa)
- Temporary Visas
- Political Asylum
- Religious Visa for Evangelist-Missionary (R-1 Visa)
- Deportation Proceedings
- Work Permits
- Re-Entry Permits
- Residency for Aliens living in the U.S. 10 years or more
- Legal Procedures Related to Immigration
- Social Security Law
- Completely bilingual staff (Spanish-English)
What is a visa?
A visa is a photo i.d. issued outside the U.S. which allows you to enter the U.S. on a temporary or permanent basis. The two main types of visas are immigrant (permanent residency) visas (also known as green cards), which let you live and work indefinitely inside the U.S., and non-immigrant visas, which allow you to live and/or work in the U.S. on a temporary basis. If you apply inside the U.S. you can receive a non-immigrant status but not a visa. Only a visa gives to the right to enter the U.S. As an example, if you decided to travel outside the U.S. with a valid status you would have to reapply for a visa in order to re-enter.
What is the difference between an immigrant and a nonimmigrant visa?
An immigrant visa grants the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States. A nonimmigrant visa is issued to persons with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis, for example, tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or study.
How can I obtain a US visa?
There are a variety of ways to obtain a visa, but the most common are through a U.S.-based employer sponsor or a family member who is a U.S. citizen. Most work visas require you to have a firm job offer with a U.S. company before applying. If you are a highly-skilled professional, it may be easier for you to find work in the U.S. than if you are an unskilled worker. If you are being persecuted in your home country it may be possible to obtain refugee or temporary protected status.
How long will it take to obtain my visa?
The visa application process varies widely among different types and categories. Some types of non-immigrant visas, like J-1 exchange visitor visas, can be applied for and issued in one day, while others, like H-1B visas and L-1 visas may take several months to process. Many immigrant visas, on the other hand, carry quotas which may cause the processing of your application to be delayed for years at a time. For example, some types of green card applications from the Phillippines are backlogged ten years or more.
If I apply for a new job in the U.S. while possessing a current H-1B visa, must I also apply for a new visa?
At present, the holder of a current H-1B work visa who changes jobs or employment must obtain a new or amended H-1B visa before starting work with a new job or employer. Since it can take at least 3-4 months to complete this process, there is mounting pressure by employee advocacy groups and tech industry groups to alleviate this restriction.
Where can I apply for a visa?
You may apply for a visa either at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country, or in rare cases, at the U.S. embassy in a third country where your home country lacks diplomatic relations within the U.S.
If you are already within the U.S. you may apply for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas at the regional USCIS office nearest you or your employer but must travel outside the U.S. to actually receive your visa. If you do not intend to travel outside the U.S. during the duration of your visa, you may apply for a green card or nonimmigrant status without leaving the U.S. but a visa will not be issued to you.
How much does a visa cost?
Visas can range widely in price depending on the particular visa.
Do I need a work permit to work in the U.S.?
U.S. employers must check to make sure all employees, regardless of citizenship or national origin, are allowed to work in the United States. If you are not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident (immigrant), you may need to apply for a work permit, formally called an "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), to prove you may work in the United States.
Where should I apply for a visa extension?
Visa extensions are best handled in the U.S. since visa stamps can be extended within U.S. borders.
Extensions vary according to the type of visa:
- H-1B visas may be extended up to 3 years
- B-1, B-2 visitor/student visas may be extended up to 6 months at a time
- E-1, E-2 treaty trader and investor visas may be extended up to 5 years at a time
- Visa Waivers may not be extended
I'm traveling to another country. Where do I get my visa?
From the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to visit.
I moved. How do I give the National Visa Center my new address?
Write to The National Visa Center, 32 Rochester Avenue, Portsmouth NH 03801-2909, or fax your new address to 603-334-0759. Be sure to include your case number or your USCIS receipt number.
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October 28, 2011 Deadline for Widow(er)s filing I-360s
Prior to 2009, the law required widow(er)s self-petitioning for permanent residence status to be married at least two years to their deceased spouse prior filing a petition. This law was repealed in 2009. However, there is an important deadline for widow(er)s whose spouse died prior to October 28, 2009 and who were married less than two years. Applicants in this category must file their I-360 by October 28, 2011. This form can be filed concurrently with the I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident. Children of widow(er)s under the age of 21 are eligible to be included on the I-360 form. It is important to note that remarriage after the spouse’s death removes eligibility to self-petition as a widow(er).
Department of Homeland Security Prioritizes Investor Visas to Jump Start Economic Growth
In light of the recent tumultuous debt ceiling talks and a heated national conversation about America’s job market and sluggish economic growth, the Department of Homeland Security (DOH) has announced measures that will remove barriers for investor visas to allow innovative entrepreneurs to pour foreign capital into a needy U.S. economy. Experts estimate that the EB-5 Investor Program, which was established in 1990, has generated greater than $1.5 billion in capital investments and approximately 34,000 American jobs since its inception. New improvements to the EB-5 program are expected to be implemented by early September that will streamline USCIS intake and review processing of visas. These additions were proposed in May and received substantial support from USCIS stakeholders. One such measure will allow increased access to expedited processing for certain regional center projects and petitions. There will also be increased direct communication between applicants and USCIS officers as well as an optional interview with a panel of USCIS experts to clarify and mend issues that may impede an applicant’s success. The EB-2 visa, which is generally for foreign workers with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, or business, has been made more accessible for entrepreneurs interested in starting their own business in the U.S. If entrepreneurs can demonstrate that their business will serve the national interest of the country, they can obtain a National Interest Waiver in the EB-2 category. The National Interest Waiver exempts entrepreneurs from demonstrating that they have received both a job offer and a Department of Labor certificate in order to qualify for the visa. Additionally, clarifications for self-employers in the H1-B category were made stating that beneficiaries who are the sole owner of the petitioning company may establish a valid employer-employee relationship to meet the visa’s requirements by structuring their company in a manner inclusive of self-governance. One example of accomplishing this is by establishing a Board of Directors that has authority over the entrepreneur and can make hiring/firing decisions. DOH also announced the extension of premium processing to multinational executives and managers applying for residency. In the coming months, USCIS will be soliciting feedback from stakeholders on how they can better serve the interests of entrepreneurs and new companies as they continue to make proactive adjustments to investor visa processing and opening the doors for a new wave of foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
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